by fossilstore
14. August 2009 04:29
Beware Fake dinosaur Fossils 2007 - 2009
one of many extracts on the www.
‘It appears that over the past year or so a large number of fake dinosaur "claws" have entered the fossil market.’
in reply these reports and for you our clients please be informed...
On the ground, or in the field in the Western Desert. During 2007 - 2008 digging season:
I first saw the latest type of fake dinosaur claw. This new style of deception takes the form of any type of dinosaur claw rarity being hand carved from other less important dinosaur bones. Ingenious, however detectable to a experienced keen eye.
The grain of dinosaur long bone is normally quite straight, while the grain of a curved claw normally closely follows the curve of the claw [the clumsy fake claws I have seen have been so and a bit more obvious] .
Use this technique as a general rule of thumb in conjunction with the feel in your hand
[the texture is too sharp, blood vessels being sanded after carving], weight [ I have noticed for the size ratio the fakes appear light weight], and most importantly appearance of the bone surface. The several fakes I have handled have a great crispness about them, a heart stopper when at first you think the thing is real, were all looking for that elusive ‘grail’ specimen, however this will quickly lead to a leaden heart when closer inspection reveals the ‘too good to be’ truth.
Even though some are coloured and treated to age them with oil, grease, blood stain, all manner of substance to build up the age processes.
The one steadfast thing when dealing with antiquities or fossil dinosaur bone, Neolithic objects and native artefacts, anything purporting to have any antiquity is the all important and ‘acid test’, Patina processes. This is not a magical technique nor high degree of scientific learning. It is common sense mostly and experience.
Ah! you say how do we get experience, the chicken and egg thing. Well folks there’s only one fast track way, deal with reputable dealers who should give a money back guarantee, remember anyone can be fooled and in all good faith, can unknowingly re sell a ‘Dodo‘, so if you do have difficulties over provenance do communicate your concerns to the seller, if you gain the guarantee *‘all costs covered’ from a reputable person, this gives you your safety net.
Once you have your experience cut on a few pieces then you too can go out into the markets of the world and buy with more confidence.
I have actually bought fake antiquities in the past to show subtle differences to the real thing. I shall add some of these to our pages soon.
For many dealers, as myself starting from youth, has taken many years and many pounds to learn the hard way.
All our fossil are unconditionally guaranteed.
Richard at TFS
*All costs covered, i.e. Not only the item cost, carriage or postal charges also replaced if the worst should happen. Most good dealers should provide this.
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